TULSA, Okla. – An early goal by Fabien Garcia proved enough as Austin Bold FC took a 1-0 victory against FC Tulsa on Saturday night at ONEOK Field behind a second consecutive shutout from goalkeeper Elliot Panicco to keep the visitors above the playoff line in the Mountain Division.

Looking to continue its recent run of form, Austin took an early lead in the 11th minute after being awarded a free kick 25 yards from goal just left of center. Garcia stepped up and delivered a perfectly placed shot just inside the top-left corner of the net for his fourth goal of the season. The visitors went close again just past the half-hour mark as Beto Avila fired just high and wide of the top-right corner, but what also impressed was the manner in which Bold FC contained Tulsa’s attack for much of the opening half, keeping the hosts without a clear look as the visitors defended their lead.

Tulsa’s first real effort on goal, in fact, came five minutes before halftime as Dario Suarez was left in space 25 yards from goal and fired a shot that went just wide of the right post. Marlon also had a spectacular effort for the hosts early in the second half as after a corner kick from the left was sent high above the penalty area the Brazilian sent an overhead kick on goal that was saved by Panicco.

Austin almost doubled its lead with 16 minutes to go as Alasanne Ates Diouf got around his man on the left side and cut back a cross to Juan Pablo Torres, but an unkind hop contributed to the finish going over the crossbar. Pannico helped shepherd the visitors toward victory late on with a good claim off a cross from the left by Jorge Corrales, and after a late free kick by Lebo Moloto in stoppage time was headed over the crossbar the visitors had done enough to earn a third consecutive victory to continue their push for the postseason.

USLChampionship.com Man of the Match

Fabien Garcia, Austin Bold FC – Garcia once again produced a moment of brilliance from a set piece to send the visitors to victory, while also putting in a solid defensive shift winning 6 of 9 duels and 3 of 4 tackles while making six interceptions.

Scoring Summary
ATX – Fabien Garcia 11’

Full Box Score